Milestone for Alipay Tap! as AI powered payment service is launched in Luckin Coffee app

Chinese digital payment provider Alipay has announced the launch of its first AI powered payment service. Available in local chain Luckin Coffee’s app, users can place orders and make a payment using voice commands. 

Alipay says this represents its first seamless integration within AI agents.

It has also announced that Alipay Tap!, its contactless payment and customer engagement solution, now has 200 million users. 

Alipay launched the QR code-based payment system in June 2024, allowing users to complete a transaction by tapping an uplocked phone on store terminal or Alipay Tap! tag.

Alipay Tap! is now available in a wide range of scenarios such as vending machines, bike rentals, and portable power bank access points. 

National snack chain Haoxianglai reported a 60% increase in repeated purchases within one year of integrating the payment system, as customers enjoy the faster check-out experience. 

Alipay has recently made the payment system available to international visitors in China, who can bind their usual bank cards with an Alipay account.  

The copany is now looking to extend the Alipay Tap! system beyond smartphones and into wearable devices such as AR glasses and smartwatches. Alipay is working with partners including Xiaomi, Rokid, and RayNeo on the development.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.